It is safe to say that the New York Jets signing of running back Le'Veon Bell has not panned out as they had hoped. Perhaps it would have been unnecessary had they noticed running back Raheem Mostert a bit sooner, who is now thriving with the San Francisco 49ers.
Mostert had been on the Jets practice squad prior to the 2016 campaign. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, former running backs coach Marcel Shipp does not even remember him being on the team:
“Wow, I don’t remember him at all,” former Jets RB coach Marcel Shipp told ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “I usually remember those guys. This is bad. I do not remember him being in the room.”
To be fair, it would be difficult for most coaches to remember the name of a practice squad player that was only with the team for a week. After all, the NFL is a business art the running back position can be quite a revolving door for most players trying to make a name for themselves.
That was clearly the case for Mostert after bouncing around from six teams in a span of two seasons before finally settling down in San Francisco. Although it may have taken him some time, he has now managed to enjoy a breakout year amidst his team's Super Bowl run.
Raheem Mostert has become a central part of the 49ers' offense in the playoffs and is coming off a historic performance versus the Green Bay Packers after rushing for a franchise postseason record of 220 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Although he may have been flying under the radar before, it is safe to say that's no longer the case.
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